DAFZA issues three UAE residency visa types tied to its licenses: investor (for shareholders), employee (for hires), and dependent (for family members of visa holders). Unlike MEYDAN or IFZA, DAFZA does not offer a freelance permit.
Investor Visa Cost
| Line item | USD |
|---|---|
| Entry permit + change status | 510 |
| Medical fitness test | 90 |
| Emirates ID (2-year) | 110 |
| Visa stamping | 200 |
| Health insurance (basic, 1 year) | 220 |
| Establishment card share | 150 |
| Total investor visa all-in | ~$1,280 |
Employee Visa
Same base cost + labor card ($82) + MOHRE health insurance ($325-790 depending on age band). Total employee visa: $1,605-2,070.
Dependent Visa (Family)
- Spouse: ~$1,000 all-in (requires min AED 4,000/month income proof)
- Child under 18: ~$900 per child
- Child 18-25 (in education): ~$1,000 + university enrollment letter
- Parents: ~$1,200 + min AED 20,000/month income + health insurance proof
Why No Freelance Visa
DAFZA's tenant profile is corporate — its physical office requirement filters out solo freelancers. If you need a UAE freelance residency visa, the correct paths are:
- IFZA Freelance Permit — $1,900 all-in
- GoFreelance (twofour54, Abu Dhabi) — $2,040 all-in
- Dubai Media City Freelance Permit — $5,450+
- Green Visa (Skilled Freelance, 5-year) — $2,000+ but stricter eligibility
Visa Quota by DAFZA Package
- Business Center Bronze: 1 visa slot
- Business Center Silver: 3 visa slots
- Business Center Gold: 5 visa slots
- Own Office: 1 visa per 9sqm (25sqm office = 3 visas)
- Warehouse: 1 visa per 20sqm
Golden Visa Path from DAFZA
DAFZA investors who hold a company for 5+ years and can demonstrate AED 2M+ paid-up capital or AED 4M+ real estate holdings may qualify for the UAE Golden Visa (10-year residency, no employer sponsor). DAFZA's premium tenant mix makes Golden Visa applications relatively common — 15-20% of DAFZA-headquartered founders eventually transition.